Venice Inlet and the Gulf of Mexico
Capt. Dave Pinkham
November 29, 2002
Venice - Saltwater Fishing Report
December Ushers Some Great Fishing on the Gulf
December is a great month for fishing out on the Gulf of Mexico. Cooling water temperatures should help get the grouper and snapper in the feeding mood. Be sure though if you plan on fishing offshore in the next several weeks to keep a close eye on the weather. As the cold fronts do make their way down across Florida, the chilly north winds often kick up the sea conditions. Because of this, it's a good idea to pick and choose which days to make a run out on the Gulf. Of course the best time to fish will be when the sun is shinning and the wind is not blowing too hard. Look for these nicer days after the cold fronts have blown through and high pressure has brought with it clear blue skies and sunny days.
Following is a list of fish to go after in December on the Gulf.
- Kingfish are still making a showing west of local beaches although the main run of king mackerels seem to have already high-tailed it on south of these parts. Lately we've been hooking up with an occasional king while bottom fishing with cut bait.
- Gag grouper fishing should really start picking up now that winter is on our doorstep. The cooler water temperatures that pushed the kingfish south of our region will often push gag grouper into short bottom. To catch them I suggest you concentrate on hard bottom such as a ledge, an area of coral, shipwreck, or one of the artificial reefs. Some of the best grouper bites we've been on have been located just by searching with the bottom graph. Once you find some sort of structure, the key to success is to try to get your boat anchored directly over or up wind of it. Now, using live and or cut bait drop your rig to the bottom. It's really that simple! A good stout pole with fairly heavy line (50-pound test) should be used. Gags tend to hit hard, and then run for the nearest cover, so hang on and crank the handle!
- Mangrove snapper should fill the gap if the gags don't want to cooperate. You'll find these tasty snappers at the same hot spots as the grouper. When targeting snapper try using a lighter pole. I like to use a 30-pound rig. Snapper will hit just about any natural bait when they're hungry.
- Triple Tail should be hanging around crab rope lines out on the Gulf. A well placed jumbo shrimp will entice even the wariest fish.
- Cobia are apt to show up just about anywhere. Be sure to keep a rod ready in case one makes an appearance. Live bait fish work best.
- Amber Jack should be making a showing this month now that winter is on our doorstep. The deeper wrecks seem to attract and hold these awesome brawlers.
- Red grouper action has continued to be excellent. Fishing just about any hard bottom outside of 70' deep will produce these great eating fish.
Well, good luck and good fishing, and remember if you're not out fishin you're wishin you were. Get out and go fishin cuz' it's good fer ya!
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